ADULTS CULPABLE

I would again like to commend the Hood River News for reporting the story,
"Teens charged with meth use at HRVHS" in the May 31 edition. As a nurse in
the community, I am aware that crystal methamphetamine continues to be a
serious health threat to our youth. The principal was quoted as saying "The
adults who are doing this to our kids have to be stopped." He is so right.

Unfortunately, the adults that need to be confronted are the principals,
teachers and ancillary staff. If the high school is interested in
discouraging drug use, a priority needs to be set for monitoring changes in
the behavior of our students and evaluating the root causes. Our kids are
not being supervised if the only way the adults know about illicit drug use
is when they collapse "on the track with heart palpitations."

As a Master's prepared, advanced practice nurse, I cannot imagine not
knowing whether a patient in my care is high on meth. I interact with them
while I'm offering the nursing service they require. I am educated on the
signs of an impending problem and proactively work toward its avoidance.
Nursing is a serious profession just as educating our youth is. I take full
responsibility to see that all of my patients over the years have received
my personal best and am accountable when things go awry.

The kids of Hood River are our most valuable asset. They deserve to be cared
for by adults who display the same excellence and professionalism that I
give my patients. Persons in leadership roles are ultimately responsible for
what goes on in our high school and should be held culpable when our kids
get hurt.

Carol Taft RN, MS

Hood River